In a saner world, the trailer forInnocence of Muslimswould get no response other than as an example of terrible filmmaking. The 14-minute video, purporting to be excerpted from a larger movie propagandizing present-day Muslims and the life of Muhammad, is confoundingly bad, filled with incongruous accents, haphazard cuts, ludicrous dialogue and green-screen so bad that the actors appear to be floating in the air (see, e.g., the 3:15 mark in the trailer linked above).

We do not live in that saner world. The world that we get to live in is the one where people who want to start fights, and the murderous zealots glad to oblige them with acts of opportunistic savagery, generally get their way. The video was made, whipped-up outrage led to attacks on American embassies in Egypt and Libya, and four Americans are dead. (Although some press reports now suggest the deadly attack in Benghazi was planned independently of the movie protests.) And suddenly, a risible piece of cinematic trolling posted to YouTube weeks ago is deadly serious.

[We also live in a world where I need to say some things that should be obvious: That only murderers are responsible for the murders they commit. That committing violence because you’re offended is inexcusable and uncivilized. That you can support the right to free speech without approving of every use of free speech. And that it’s possible for two sides in a conflict—if not more—to be wrong.]

As for the video itself; if you watched it not knowing its history (made by a real-estate developer who calls Islam a “cancer”* and promoted by anti-Islamist bigot Terry Jones), you’d think it was a parody of religious propaganda. *(Update: other recent reports cast questions on the filmmaker’s real backstory and identity.) It begins with a homemade-video-quality story involving attacks on Egyptian Christians by Muslims (many of them with thick New York accents) then ties this story to a version of the founding of Islam that paints Muhammad as a depraved, perverted, unstable sadist.

The prophet—played by an actor reminiscent of a less-talented Ashton Kutcher—sneers and snivels through a slanted retelling of the founding stories of Islam. He connives with henchmen, wearing Sunday-school-pageant costumes and reclining in front of tents, and promises pedophilic soldiers that they can rape children as war spoils. (“How pleasurable is our Islamic ways! [sic]” one declaims.) Muhammad himself is simultaneously depicted as gay (subtle reveal: “Is the messenger of God gay?” “Yes, he is!”), a pedophile, and sexually preying on women.

The Koran is written for Muhammad by another man, who promises to weave together travesties of the Torah and New Testament “into false verses.” He has a bizarrely homoerotic, one-sided conversation with a donkey (a take on an old story that’s been cited by critics charging Muhammad with perversion). [Update and caveat: I suspect that the video includes other scenes and references that might seem absurd to an outsider but speak directly to Muslims and critics of Islam; I admittedly come to this as a total religious layman.] By the trailer’s end, he swings a bloody sword, his clothing seemingly stained with grape juice, and cries, “Every non-Muslim is an infidel! Their lands, their women, their children are our spoils!” before being engulfed in a fireball.

The film is also obviously effective—if you assume its sole purpose is to stir trouble, and it’s hard to imagine another one. If it were actually meant to win over Westerners, its poor production and inscrutability would be crippling; if it were meant to persuade Muslims, it wouldn’t be so transparently provoking.

In a reasonable world, this video might be a bizarre curiosity, fodder for a religious version of Mystery Science Theater 3000. If only we were able to boggle at it and move on. Instead, we have to cringe, as provocateurs and violent extremists each do their best to vindicate the other’s worst beliefs; we shudder, because we’ve seen this movie before, and we know how it ends.

Update: 5:58 p.m. ET: This story gets more and more bizarre. This afternoon, the cast and crew of Innocence of Muslims said they were “100% not behind this film” and that they had been misled about its content and subject. One actress seen in the trailer told Gawker the cast members were told they were performing in a movie about ancient Egyptian life, whose lead character was not Muhammad but “Master George.” Earlier today, On the Media’s Sarah Abdurrahman noticed that the trailer’s clumsy dialogue edits and dubs largely involved dialogue with references to Muhammad and religion—it would seem, to conceal the nature of the film from the very people making it. The pseudonymous filmmaker “Sam Becile,” whatever his true identity, was apparently out not just to influence world events but to put one over on his own cast.

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Clarification: The "Muslims" that are responding to this insulting video with violence, do not represent Islam. I am a Muslim, and I do NOT associate myself with people who kill innocents, and neither do almost all of the rest of the Muslims in the world. People, across all of history, have used their religions to validate violence. The Crusades and the KKK are examples of how Christianity was used to justify violence and murder. But does this mean that Christianity is a religion of violence? Of course not. Islam is a religion of peace. Do not believe that all Muslims are violent because of the acts of a small group that do not even follow the religion.

The Prophet Muhammed, peace be upon him, was insulted and tortured daily, but he NEVER responded to these attacks with violence. And those so called "Muslims" need to learn from his example. He was one of the greatest and most peaceful men that ever lived. If you think otherwise, then you have your facts mixed up, because the biography of Muhammed and the history of Islam is all documented and preserved. And from a historical standpoint, he was one of the most just and peaceful leaders. I just want to clear this ridiculous confusion about a religion, a way of life, that I find so perfect, and that I have the right to practice! I can't believe we still have to fight for these basic rights in the year 2012.Help stop this ignorance, racism, and unnecessary hate!

Clarification: The "Muslims" that are responding to this insulting video with violence, do not represent Islam. I am a Muslim, and I do NOT associate myself with people who kill innocents, and neither do almost all of the rest of the Muslims in the world. People, across all of history, have used their religions to validate violence. The Crusades and the KKK are examples of how Christianity was used to justify violence and murder. But does this mean that Christianity is a religion of violence? Of course not. Islam is a religion of peace. Do not believe that all Muslims are violent because of the acts of a small group that do not even follow the religion.

The Prophet Muhammed, peace be upon him, was insulted and tortured daily, but he NEVER responded to these attacks with violence. And those so called "Muslims" need to learn from his example. He was one of the greatest and most peaceful men that ever lived. If you think otherwise, then you have your facts mixed up, because the biography of Muhammed and the history of Islam is all documented and preserved. And from a historical standpoint, he was one of the most just and peaceful leaders. I just want to clear this ridiculous confusion about a religion, a way of life, that I find so perfect, and that I have the right to practice! I can't believe we still have to fight for these basic rights in the year 2012.Help stop this ignorance, racism, and unnecessary hate!

Movies on Mohammed are rare. Almost non-existant. So to anyone wanting to learn about Mohammed from a visual perspective, this movie is invaluable. This is important. It depicts Mohammed EXACTLY as Muslims SAY he is as incontrovertibly documented in their authenticated hadiths. So maybe the purpose of the movie was to portray history.

Mohammed's first wife WAS the inceptual driving force behind Islam. Mohammed thought his visions were the product of a madman. His wife convinced him to exploit them to start Islam. Mohammed was an intense sexual addict and probably bisexual. He engaged in child rape. What's provocative about the truth?

And should have been obvious this was a movie that could be potentially about Mohammed. George....George? Know anyone named George? Maybe Geogre the 3rd? How about George W (Woopars) Bush? Cowbones Bush who also spent half his life living in a cave contemplating his navel sponging off rich relatives until he was called by the divine to start a perpetual holy war. Regardless, the director/investor has every right to exercise artistic editing in any way whatsoever to the product as he decides best to advance the product artisticly and/or financially. The actors have no business commenting whatsoever. They've been paid. By definition of their respective roles, there can be no cause for deception.

People have passed ruthless judgement on Muhammad. He has been labeled as a pedophile, a terrorist, a murderer, you name it. But I would just like to share his words before his passing. It is something he had requested and I am proud to do it. Here goes. Read it with an open mind, like a son listening to his father. Thank you.

After praising, and thanking God, he said: "O People, listen well to my words, for I do not know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Treat others justly so that no one would be unjust to you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (riba), therefore all riba obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital , however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer inequity. God has judged that there shall be no riba and that all the riba due to `Abbas ibn `Abd al Muttalib shall henceforth be waived.

Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabi`ah ibn al Harith ibn `Abd al Muttalib.

O Men, the Unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which God forbade, and to forbid that which God has made permissible. With God the months are twelve in number. Four of them are sacred, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Sha`ban. Beware of the devil, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights over your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under God's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers. It is your right and they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste...

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God (The One Creator of the Universe), perform your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your financial obligation (zakah) of your wealth. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before God (The Creator) and you will answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, NO PROPHET OR MESSENGER WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I am leaving you with the Book of God (the QUR'AN*) and my SUNNAH (the life style and the behavioral mode of the Prophet), if you follow them you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people.

Sam Becile imbecile may very well be part of the Islamic extreme trying to stir up trouble for the US. It can't be a coincidence that these protests happen exactly around 9/11, just as its not a coincidence that 9/11 happened on a date coinciding with America's emergency number.

Muhammad was exposed for the monster he was..A pedophile, a homosexual and a savage murderer..If you didn't believe his religion it was off with your had..I don't believe in that..Come cut my freaking head off.

Muhammad was exposed for the monster he was..Pedophile, homosexual..Muslims are so peaceful..All they do is savagely murder people who don't believe their religion..I believe in Jesus Christ..He is my God..I guess I should be worried about being decapitated..Freaking joke..

Mohammad was exposed for what he was..A pedophile, a homosexual..Wow..Muslims are peaceful..Give me a break..They decapitate people and murder innocent people who don't believe in their religion..Well, I believe in God, Jesus Christ..Come cut my freaking head off you savages

This isn't a movie, it's a trailer. There is no movie. If you claim there is, answer me this; Who produced it and at which studio? Who distributed it? At what theater is it playing?

You are going to feel really silly when congress gets done investigating this and you find out what a great story you missed. 'Course, you blew the Zimmerman story to. Getting good at jumping sharks are we?

Clearly the US government had no part in the making of this video, so attacking US embassies is either a case of whipping the dog when feeling frustrated, or more likely, there are ulterior motives at work. But hey - if they feel so bad, why don't they make a video mocking Christianity? It's a lot better than murdering people and they could probably do a better job.

Federal authorities have identified a Coptic Christian in southern California (Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, 55) who is on probation after his conviction for financial crimes as the key figure behind the anti-Muslim film that ignited mob violence against U.S. embassies across the Mideast, a U.S. law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Thursday.

the only reason hollywood even came into existance is because its close to mexico----all the new york film makers of the silent days fled to california one step ahead of the cops, and in california could escape to mexico easier.

as though organized crime didnt make almost all porn before video days.

go do some research on drive in and grindhouse movies like reefer madness, i spit on your grave, texas chainsaw massacre---no difference.

Much of the civilized world allows free speech; however disgusting some forms of free speech might be. In many parts of Europe anti-semitic comments are illegal and you can go to jail for it. The disgusting video was free speech. Muslim protesters shouting protests and burning flags is also free speech. But violence should not be tolerated. Appears that the violence in Libya was probably a planned attack against US interests by some terrorist or anti US group and has nothing to do with the video. However, it is clear that free speech must have limits. This video was designed to provoke hate and violence around the world. Society must decide and put limits to free speech. Free speech that consistently provokes violence needs to be discouraged.

I think that is not freedom to attack other nations believes and religious . what I know That Muslims do respect to others , the producer of that bad movies want to pollute and destroy the image and the sight of Muslims and USA together . i suggest that united nation must to make rules and laws prohibit attacking the prophets and the religious. i advice every one want to know prophet of islam and mankind mohammed should read about him and his history . if we want to get information about something we have to go to specialzed.. look in this site maybe we gain littel about mohammed http://www.islamhouse.com/

I think that is not freedom to attack other nations believes and religious . what I know That Muslims do respect to others , the producer of that bad movies want to pollute and destroy the image and the sight of Muslims and USA together . i suggest that united nation must to make rules and laws prohibit attacking the prophets and the religious. i advice every one want to know prophet of islam and mankind mohammed should read about him and his history . if we want to get information about something we have to go to specialzed...

Tell us what part of the video was not true. Mohammed's men tore a woman apart, and it was the only time Mohammed was known to have laughed. Mohammed married a 6 yr old and thighed her until the age of 9 when he had sex with her. Mohammed had people murdered for criticizing him. sharia says that non-moslems are forbidden to criticize any aspect of islam. And Jihad, in sharia, says to war against the non-moslems and it is backed up by the verses that abrogated the peaceful verses. No one asks, 'what radicalizes moslems'? AND why is the koran not considered a foul book since it dehumanizes all unbelievers and then calls for our deaths or subjugation, while espousing lying to us to truck us?

That is because muslims have associated their selves too much too deep within the islamic story book. Current life stories are Different Not same as the past prophet's One life story from primitive lives to generalize all.

What if an Egyptian Muslim producer decides to produce a movie to praise Hitler? According to your "freedom of speech" statement, praising Hitler, Bin Laden, Saddam ... is part of freedom of speech practice!

What if a Libyan Muslim produces a movie that mocks Jews? Oh ... would that considered to be anti-semetic?

I am a Muslim from Saudi Arabia, and I say that killing the Americans in Libya is totally wrong. It is an awful act.

But Americans got so mad just because 4 people were killed intentionally in Libya-- they strangled because of the fire. How about millions of innocent kids and women who were killed by American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan?

It's so funny when I see some Americans still think that USA is the most powerful country in the world :)

You have lost the war in Afghanistan. and know the US is leading a delegation with Taliban.

Do you know what the war in Iraq causes the US? Simply look at the US economy now.

Muslims are the greatest civilization on the earth. They do not need to learn from the West as to how to react when there is a direct attack on their beliefs. They know how to react. They do not kill millions in Iraq and Afghanistan the name of supposedly 6000 of their numbers. Jews cannot be compared with Muslims because they are Jews and not Muslims.

There is great prejudice against America among the Muslims of northern Africa and the Middle East. The film is not the work of our nation, nor does it reflect the dominant opinions here. Riot and destruction and killing Americans because we permit free speech is an attack (either organized or not) on our most highly valued beliefs. Mocking religion is an insult, but lashing out at the free nation of an insulter indicates the offended's own prejudice. Unsanctioned insult does not justify the murder of those of the same race or nation as the insulter.

I am a Muslim and i am outraged for anything that insults or offends my religion and my God, Allah SWT. However, i do not go off burning buildings and bombing people. Neither does my family and every other Muslim family i know. There is a difference between being an extremist or terrorist and being a Muslim. Just because some of them are extremists does not group all Muslims into the same mold.

Please understand that Islamic is a religion of peace. If people were to truly follow the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad (SAW), they would know that the Prophet (SAW) was the kindest, most virtuous of men. He was a man who lived his life fully according to the rules and guidelines of Islam and his character was deeply admired by Muslims and even non-Muslims of his time.

Before trying to say that Islam is a religion of hate and anger, please make your own research rather than just taking bits and pieces from different sources which may not even reflect Islam. Try reading the Quran, sunnah or hadith sahih (life of the Prophet Muhammad SAW) and judge his character on your own, rather than believe a video that is created by a man who has made it his objective to spread hatred and prejudice towards Islam.

I am not defending the acts of Muslims who bomb or burn buildings. However, the media has purposely hidden many of the cruelties which were inflicted on Muslim civilians but instead focused on the extremists. Millions of Muslims suffered and were killed for their land, their resources, their families tortured or raped. I ask you, if that were your family, if it comes down to defending your family, wouldn't you have fought back? However, the world now just sees Muslims as being extremists and ignored that we too have families and yearn only to have a good life on earth.

Before saying that Islam is a murdering religion, all i ask is that you read up on the religion, its teachings and values from a credible source or from a true Islamic preacher and then judge for yourself.